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Ischemic colitis

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Ischemic colitis

Definition:

Ischemic colitis involves an area of inflammation (irritation and swelling) caused by interference with the blood flow to the large intestine.

Alternative Names:
Colonic ischemia

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Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Interference with blood flow to the colon is the cause of ischemic colitis. The disorder mainly affects people over 50, many of whom have a history of peripheral vascular disease. Other risk factors include:

• Previous aortic surgery with inadvertent damage to the artery supplying the colon
• History of stroke
• Low blood pressure
• Congestive heart failure
• Diabetes
• Abdominal radiation exposure

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